If you're headed to Miami for business, or you're just on a mission to worship the sun at some of the most famous beaches in the United States, you're going to need cash.

With over 100 foreign consulates and foreign trade offices, Miami's status as a tourist city with a high international population means you'll spot far more currency exchange offices than in the average metropolitan area. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami had over 23 million visitors in 2018.

When tourists need greenbacks, where is the best place to g�ඣ�o? While ATMs are often the smartest default option, there are some circumstances where a currency exchange may be a better bet.

If You’re Arriving in Miami

U.S. banks are not alone in charging ATM—also called cashpoint—fees for cu🌳stomers trꦉaveling abroad.

If you're a foreigner planning a holiday or business trip to Miami, check with your bank beforehand to find out its policies on overseas withdrawals and transactions. Of course, even if you’re an account holder at a bank that offers favorable overseas transaction rates, you may find yourself in a situation—a lost banking card, a forgotten PIN code—that requires yo🌸u to seek out the currency exchange.

In these cases, you'll be happy that you decided to carry the equivalent of a few hundred U.S. dollars in your home currency with you.

If You’re Departing From Miami

One benefit that currency exchanges have over ATMs is that many banks levy steep fees for foreign transactions. U.S. banks usually charge $2 to $5 for overseas withdrawals, and some also charge a transaction fee that amounts to 1% to 3% of the total withdrawal. One solution? Seek out a bank t꧙hat offers zero foreign transactio🐻n and ATM fees.

If your flight is leaving in 48 hours and you realize thaℱt your bank does indeed charge the steeper end of these fees, it might be a wise idea to visit one of Miami’s currency exchanges.

Miami Money Exchanges

Whether you are arriving or leavꦬing, the following are four vetted places to go with your dollars or foreign currency.

1. ꩵAbbot Foreign Money Exchange, 230 NE 1st St., Miami, (305) 374-2336

Easily reached by the local MetroMover train—get off at the💖 First Street Station—this storefront currency exchange near Bayfront Park wiℱns positive customer reviews for favorable rates and friendly service.

Like many busineꦆsses in Miami, a city sometimes called the “Capital of Latin America,” Spanish is spoken here. Though the range of currency it has on hand may be limited, this is a particularly good place to exchange dollars to euros.

2. Currency Exch🔯ange International, 7535 North ꦓKendall Dr., Miami, (305) 662-7155

A trusted national chain that promises to match, or even beat, same-day exchange rates offered by local banks, this branch is located in the Dadeland Mall. If you’re just arriving in town, the website offers detailed directions from the Miami-Dade International Airport. It’s open until 9 p.m. every day except Sunday when it closes at 7 p.m.

3. Lincoln Currency Exchange, 1633 W💛ashington Avenue, Miami Beach, (30♓5) 672-1633

If you’ve escaped cold weather elsewhere and headedಞ straight from the airport to the beach, the Lincoln Currency Exchange offers a convenient place to exchange foreign currency for dollars in the Miami B🌠each/South Beach area.

With more than 80 types of foreign currency on hand, this is one of the best currency exchanges for travelers arriving from smaller countries whose currencies may not be carried by most banks and other currency exchanges. For those visitors who like to stay up late, this exchange keeps its doors open until 10 p.m., seven days a week.

4. First Citizens Bꦅank, 250 Palermo Aveღ, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 639-7200

If you’re a local resident planning an overseas trip and you’d like the security of having some foreign currency on hand before your departure flight, the First Cit൲izens Bank in Coral Gables is a solid bet. Offering helpful customer service for those new to currency exchange, their rates should be on par with market value. 

The Bottom Line

It may be tempting, after you’ve finally dragged your carryon down the jetway, through the terminal and you have cleared customs, to hit t🔜he first currency exchange y♋ou see. Don’t give in to jet lag—keep walking. Airport currency exchanges offer notoriously low rates compared to market value.

It’s a far better id🌃ea to hop in a taxi and head into town to a reputable currency exchange: you’ll happily get many mꦇore Cuban sandwiches and beachside daiquiris out of that stack of bills in your wallet.